I am going to be getting in to skiing this winter. I have done it quite a few times before and want to really get in to it. I am thinking about buying a pair of demo skis or used since they will be my first pair (and the fact that I dont have a crap load of money to drop on a new set). Where is the best place to buy them? I am very hesitant on craigslist and not too sure about ebay (in case the skis are crap when they get to me).

Any suggestions will help. I have searched and found a few sites but want to know what places you all use.

Do you have any rental or ski shops in your area?
They let you try out skis where I live to see if you want to buy them especially if they pre-season when swapping out last years stock.
I bought my rossi's at a place like that after trying them out.
...it is also cheaper and quicker than the dealing with the mountain & you know the stuff has been maintained/set up correctly.

All our ski swaps at the schools are going on now. They are ok, but lots of gear and no one to help fit you. Fitting is a big part of it too..thus why I like the pros at the ski shops (non-mountain)

Do you have any rental or ski shops in your area?
They let you try out skis where I live to see if you want to buy them especially if they pre-season when swapping out last years stock.
I bought my rossi's at a place like that after trying them out.
...it is also cheaper and quicker than the dealing with the mountain & you know the stuff has been maintained/set up correctly.

All our ski swaps at the schools are going on now. They are ok, but lots of gear and no one to help fit you. Fitting is a big part of it too..thus why I like the pros at the ski shops (non-mountain)

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I have a ski shop about 10 mins. from my house. I will probably go there to get fitted for my boots and stuff. I usually ride a 165 ski when I go. Seem to be just right. Some of the shops around here are having some nice sales so I am trying to take advantage of them while I can. I am also trying to find a good website that might offer a better deal if I can find one.

I have a ski shop about 10 mins. from my house. I will probably go there to get fitted for my boots and stuff. I usually ride a 165 ski when I go. Seem to be just right. Some of the shops around here are having some nice sales so I am trying to take advantage of them while I can. I am also trying to find a good website that might offer a better deal if I can find one.

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Yeah my boots probably are my biggest investment.

I worked for a guy who taught skiing moons ago, man could that guy ski....the only advice he said is make sure your boots fit,
get them fitted...
wear them in the store..
find the best fitter in the shop...
His advice was if your feet are miserable, the rest of your equipment won't matter....I do not know how long my skis are...they are short & shaped, nothing like I use to have..but they turn oh so easy...not tricked too old for that
Sounds like you got a good plan...

I don't recommend buying any model of ski without trying it first. The way a ski handles depends a lot on your particular skiing style, your ability, your weight, the snow type you encounter, and so on. So different models ride different for different people. I've bought skis on Ebay without any problem. Like with anything else, stick to reputable sellers.

If you're only going to have one pair of skis, then buy based on what type of snow you will ski in the most. If you think you will encounter mixed skiing conditions, then stick to a mid-fat, moderate sidecut freeride ski. If you ski in mostly hardpacked conditions, get a short stiff carving ski. Or for mostly powder, get a big fat soft powder ski.

Most importantly, ski as often as you can. In skiing, skill trumps the best gear, and skill comes from practice.

I worked for a guy who taught skiing moons ago, man could that guy ski....the only advice he said is make sure your boots fit,
get them fitted...
wear them in the store..
find the best fitter in the shop...
His advice was if your feet are miserable, the rest of your equipment won't matter....I do not know how long my skis are...they are short & shaped, nothing like I use to have..but they turn oh so easy...not tricked too old for that
Sounds like you got a good plan...

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Thanks. I am going to get a decent set boots for that exact reason. I have heard that certain boots fit certain bindings? is this true?

I don't recommend buying any model of ski without trying it first. The way a ski handles depends a lot on your particular skiing style, your ability, your weight, the snow type you encounter, and so on. So different models ride different for different people. I've bought skis on Ebay without any problem. Like with anything else, stick to reputable sellers.

If you're only going to have one pair of skis, then buy based on what type of snow you will ski in the most. If you think you will encounter mixed skiing conditions, then stick to a mid-fat, moderate sidecut freeride ski. If you ski in mostly hardpacked conditions, get a short stiff carving ski. Or for mostly powder, get a big fat soft powder ski.

Most importantly, ski as often as you can. In skiing, skill trumps the best gear, and skill comes from practice.

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Thanks! I will probably be in mixed for the most part. I will be taking trips out to snowshoe mtn. and a couple trips a year to CO. There is a local spot about an hour from me in Indiana that I will be going to as well so like you said, i guess i will be looking for a mid-fat ski.

haha as much as i would like to, i do not have the patience for one. I tried once, twice, i think I was on my ass or my face in the snow more times than I was upright and moving.

Thanks. I am going to get a decent set boots for that exact reason. I have heard that certain boots fit certain bindings? is this true?

Thanks! I will probably be in mixed for the most part. I will be taking trips out to snowshoe mtn. and a couple trips a year to CO. There is a local spot about an hour from me in Indiana that I will be going to as well so like you said, i guess i will be looking for a mid-fat ski.

Thanks guys!

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Some bindings are different but I think the most average downhilling boots will fit. Check with the ski shop though. They can definitely modify the insoles, add lift, shave off high spots...its amazing when you a good boot fitter...ask at the shop who is their best person, it is worth it, also different brands will feel better than others. Mine do not hurt or make my feet cold at all.

Some bindings are different but I think the most average downhilling boots will fit. Check with the ski shop though. They can definitely modify the insoles, add lift, shave off high spots...its amazing when you a good boot fitter...ask at the shop who is their best person, it is worth it, also different brands will feel better than others. Mine do not hurt or make my feet cold at all.

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thanks! I was just up at the ski shop that the local ski club recommended finding out what boots i like. My parents have skis (unknowingly) that are in good shape still. just have to get them tuned and the binding adjusted to my feet.... and new boots.

thanks! I was just up at the ski shop that the local ski club recommended finding out what boots i like. My parents have skis (unknowingly) that are in good shape still. just have to get them tuned and the binding adjusted to my feet.... and new boots.

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Awesome, you will be on the slopes with minimal investment
I stayed up at Attitash Ski Area in NH this weekend, Mt Washington gots its first dusting

I am going out to steamboat CO this dec. for a week so that should be fun. will make my way out to snowshoe a few times as well. is Attitash decent skiing? worth the drive/flight from good old Ohio?

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Its ok from what I hear...there is like 5 Mtns in a 40 mile radius of each other...Attitash, Cannon, Wildcat, BrettonWoods, Loon Mtn. I mainly hike in this area for its too expensive to ski there....I get a cheap pass at a local mountain named Bolton which has night skiing too & is 20 minutes from my house.

Your trip to CO sounds like it will be a great time...if I was going to go anywhere on a trip it would be out West..Utah or Colorado. East skiing is good but lots of ice....everyone here likes Sugarbush, Stratton or Jay Peak.

Its ok from what I hear...there is like 5 Mtns in a 40 mile radius of each other...Attitash, Cannon, Wildcat, BrettonWoods, Loon Mtn. I mainly hike in this area for its too expensive to ski there....I get a cheap pass at a local mountain named Bolton which has night skiing too & is 20 minutes from my house.

Your trip to CO sounds like it will be a great time...if I was going to go anywhere on a trip it would be out West..Utah or Colorado. East skiing is good but lots of ice....everyone here likes Sugarbush, Stratton or Jay Peak.

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night skiing is awesome.
I have always heard the saying if you learned to ski over here you can ski just about anywhere. I am guessing because of the ice you have to learn on. I will have to check out those places. would be a good weekend trip